Reviews

"Seachange & Treechange in one place"

So island life is not for everyone, like CBD high rise living is not for everyone. Where else can you enjoy a Seachange & Treechange in one location with an affordable price tag and easy access to a capital city like Brisbane? Russell Island is unique and more people are starting to realize its unique charm.

The two licensed clubs, an RSL and the Russell Island Bowling Club, provide entertainment and bistro facilities most nights of the week.A multi purpose community hall near the main wharf is available. The Bay Islands Community Centre on Jackson Rd is also a hub for community activities The Russell Island Community Resilience Centre includes sporting facilities, tennis and basketball courts, soccer field, emergency evacuation building and a community farm.

WaterThe water supply for SMBI is piped across from North Stradbroke Island to north eastern tip of Russell Island. The supply is then piped via Karragarra Island to Lamb Island and then onto Macleay Island. The mainland water supply is connected to the SEQ water grid and therefore the risk of the water supply failing is extremely low.

ElectricityThe electricity supply provided by Energex to the SMBI group and North Stradbroke Island comes via Russell Island. The supply originates on the mainland north of Cabbage Tree Point and crosses the Western Boating Channel, connecting to the southern end of Russell Island at Rocky Point, then continues north through the centre of Russell Island before branching off to service North Stradbroke Island and Karragarra Island.

This sequence of connections highlights the importance of Russell Island to the electricity supply for SMBI and North Stradbroke Island. A new substation has been built on Russell Island to assist in ensuring the power supply to Russell Island is more robust and with less power fluctuations.

TelecommunicationsLandline access to North Stradbroke Island and SMBI is via a microwave link from the mainland to exchanges on the islands. The exchanges on North Stradbroke Island are located at each of the three townships of Dunwich, Amity Point and Point Lookout and for SMBI the exchanges are located on Russell and Macleay Islands

GARBAGE COLLECTION:There are eight waste transfer stations in the Redlands:

Redland City Council provides a waste and recycling collection service to all domestic premises on Russell Island.General waste - weekly collectionRecycled waste - fortnightly collection

MAINLAND PARKING(Source: https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/info/20152/parking_in_the_redlands/278/parking_at_weinam_creek )In June 2018, Council confirmed its commitment to the rejuvenation of the Weinam Creek Transport Hub, announcing plans to develop the site to provide the community infrastructure that the area requires. Council's proposed master plan which will be delivered in stages, will transform the waterfront of Redland Bay, improve the usability of the transport hub, attract visitors, create jobs and drive economic development in the area.

The master plan will include:

More open spaceNew pedestrian and cycle waysRejuvenation of existing parklandMore car parksImproved drop off and storage facilities for island residents and visitorsA new boat ramp to separate emergency and public accessA mix of residential and retail spaces including cafes, restaurants and potential for a medical precinct.

CURRENT COUNCIL WORKS ON RUSSELL ISLAND ( source:https://www.redland.qld.gov.au/WorksUpdate )Russell Island - PDG-43611 - Pavement and Seating – Canaipa Point Park, Russell IslandRedland City Council Internal Construction Crews and Contractors will be upgrading Caniapa Point Park, Russell Island. These works will involve installing a reinforced concrete slab, Aria mix and match bench seat, turf and associated works.

Redland City Council Internal Construction Crews and Contractors will be upgrading various streets on Russell Island. These works will involve the installation of gravel pavement and the installation of two coat bitumen seal. The following streets are to be sealed: Aquamarine Avenue from Opal Court Minjerriba Road Venus Court from Aquamarine Avenue to end Opal Court from Aquamarine Avenue to end Gem Street from Opal Court to Jasper Street Neptune Street from Jasper Street to Aquamarine Avenue Ferry Court from Minjerriba Rd to End Satton Street from Kings Road to 6/10 Satton Street Canna Street from Satton Street to Oaklea Street Meadstone Street from Canna Street to 4 Meadstone Street Oaklea Street from Kings Road to Waterlea Street Waterlea Street from Oaklea Street to Elcon Street Goolagong Street from Fern Terrace to Titala Street Illagona Street from Fern Terrace to Titala Street

Find out more:https://www.instagram.com/russellisland.qld/https://www.bayislandsinfo.com/the-bay-islands/russell-island/http://www.redlandsdisasterplan.com.au/russell-island/https://www.russellisland.com.au/dir

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"Retirement heaven"

We moved here four years or so ago. Peace and quiet, sheltered waterways, great fishing, and I mean great. Have met some great new friends and joined a really good sporting club. All this rubbish about people seeing ice addicts, drug pushers, hoons, drunks evrywhere they turn, what a load of complete BS. Either they are in with a mob of losers or they are a part of the problem. We have not had a single issue since moving here and I feel safer here than anywhere I have ever lived. The cops here do a great job keeping the dross at manageable levels and moving on misfits when they need to. There are a few mozzies and midges in warmer months, shock, horror! This is coastal Australia after all. I see some people mentioning domestic disputes, yep, they happen here, nowhere else in the country has them of course, they are purely a Russell Island phenomenon. Overall, a great, peaceful place that doesnt experience the temperature extremes of Brisbane and really is an undiscovered paradise.FD

rossf1Hey my name is Ross, i am intending to move there late January, love the idea of movin there just don't like the cost of the Car Ferries.Is there a Pub or club , do people there socialize with each other ??[email protected]

Nov 26, 2017

88KATmandoHi rossf1, hope you made it over here. No pub on Russell, there is a bottle shop though, but there are clubs, yes people socialise, as little or as much as you like. There is a pub on Macleay Is only a free trip away, about 10 - 15 mins via passenger ferry. I live on one of the other smaller islands as part of the SMBI's, we very rarely take our car off the island, most people tend to use the passenger ferries, with connecting buses the other end, at the new bus station, some carparking, many more needed but the council seems to be working on that problem (let's hope so). Taxis and Uber will come and pick you up also if you are in more of a hurry. If you are into fishing you will never be short of someone to join you, also cricket team, tennis courts, artistic pursuits. Good luck, come on over if you are still to do so

Feb 07, 2018

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The opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of Homely.com.au.Report

"Live mortgage free in paradise close to a capital city!"

This would have to be the most affordable place in Australia with blocks of land for under $20k and still well within commuting distance to a capital city. Nowhere else even comes close on affordability and to top it off lovely community minded locals in a natural wonderland. We love it!

"Why monopoly is no good"

Shopping On Russell island .
Next time you catch public transport to the shopping centre to get it all in one place and shop at Coles or Woolworth for its fresh bread,cakes,donuts or a family pac of crispy creams or Mr Donuts fresh donuts and fresh meat with friendly butcher service , vegetables, dairy and work drink for the morning and looking for organic gluten fresh Bread and the go to the coffee shop for a double espresso skinny caramel latte with nutmeg and some window shopping get your hair cut and pick up some spring water Perrier San pellegrino for the BBQ
No public transport so we will catch a Cab it only 5.2 km OK lets go shopping on Russell Island. waiting for the cab up-to 45 min and now we are on our way after we picking up to ten other passengers on the way that 8 min car ride took 35 min and cost $20.00.
Now let shop first thing you will not see is the words fresh shopping at our IGA you will soon learn to write two list one we call the wish list. the other the probable IGA got list be prepared for staff to tell you someone forgot to order them will have them next week coming tomorrow sold out on Wednesday( the first day of catalogue ) only got frozen ones left. No fresh baked store brand bread if you go in the morning you can get day old defrosted bread or wait till lunch and it should be that days bread Check the dates no fresh meat it is all vacuumed sealed and prepackage look out for OUT OF Date stock. Now the cake and donuts we can get a frozen chocolate cake in date till 2019 or a freshly defrosted chocolate cake still in date for a month (how old is it rely). Donuts a 4 pac freshly defrosted chocolate Mr donuts or the stale defrosted IGA brand. Ok some sandwich meats the daily ham that was kept in the fridge over night or get some fresh cut from the log ask to see the date first. out of 2 Lt milks again get three Lt instead. Work drinks no Double espresso no Dare raw he will have to get it in his way to work no Perrier San water filtered let get dinner order a frozen reheated Eagle boys pizza limited selection. finished shopping lets get a skinny double latte caramel shot with nutmeg sorry no coffee shop. get my hair cut the hair dresser closed call for appointment with the hair dresser closing at the end of the lease. fresh bread at the bakery and day old cakes. home again taxi wait 30 min stop at ten other homes with 15 passenger you are the 11th as for other passengers continue their journey. lets take the car next time.

"Niche living"

Russell is definitely not a place for everyone. The people who can handle the conditions if living here are rewarded with the amazing island atmosphere. People who come just for the cheap rent/sale price of the houses will be thoroughly disappointed to find out that the cost of transport, rates, parking fines on the mainland or paid parking space (if you were lucky enough to secure one) definitely offset the savings. Retirees who like fishing, and are not worried about relatively high rates and who don't need shops other than the essentials would be the type of people who would benefit the most from island life. Single income families do ok as well, especially if you own a boat to really enjoy the island passages. The schools hours are 8:45 to 2:45, which does not leave you much time to ferry over to the mainland to work. The ferry is a lovely experience, taking approximately 25 minutes for a direct and 35 for an indirect. Paid with a go card the tickets become about 30% cheaper than a cash ticket (which you can only purchase one way). There is an office where you can charge a go card or purchase tickets on the mainland but no go card stations at any of the island jetties. You can recharge your go card at the post office however it is not open on weekends and the ferries themselves don't have eftpos on board but will let you purchase a cash ticket. Once on the mainland you can catch the 250 or 280 translink bus to the city, both take approximately an hour. If you are driving you need to get back well before the last ferry leaves so you can find a parking spot (if you are lucky) and have enough time to walk from wherever you had to park your car to the jetty. If you Park your car in a spot not designated for your type of parking, or if you stay for too long in a timed Park (almost all of them are timed) you will get a fine from the diligent parking officers. If you miss the last ferry you will be sleeping in your car (parked in a place other than the jetty) or crashing at a friends house for the night. Basically you need to be organised and have a fair bit of time otherwise you are not going to have a good time with the ferries. Most large items are not allowed on the ferries and you will need to use a barge instead, these run only during daylight hours and take just over an hour each way. The Cafe has lovely food relatively cheap, and the bowls club has delicious Chinese food. There are a few lovely parks with equipment for children, like parks anywhere they sometimes have undesirables hanging out in them, but I've seen no more than anywhere else. There is no high school on the islands but the school buses meet the ferries on the mainland. There are mosquitos, no more than I have experienced in the Northern suburbs of Brisbane but the closer you get to the water the more migies there are.

"Undiscovered Paradise"

ONE DAY, people from Sydney and Melbourne will discover Russell Island and then suddenly the idiots in Brisbane who've been dissing the place for the last twenty years will go blue with envy. But by then it'll be too late. Try getting a waterfront block of land in the southern cities for $200,000 or less. It's ridiculous!

SuePThe only people benefiting from the island are the barges the ferries and the slashers ATM because only a hand ful of decent locals want the bridge to go accross in order to make life easier. In order to get progress more people need to speak out and protest against profitiers who dictate when and when you can come and go as honeat paying rate payers. Build a real bridge and get over to Russell to enjoy a perfectly futile island. There are no cons about a bridge. Grow a brain. The locals are struggling and need a bridge thanks. It's in humanitarian to isolate a growing population. May I also add that a bridge will sort out the bludgers from the doers. Stand united and protest for it make some noise people power is needed. !!!

2yrs+

CarolP2I agree we need a bridge, we would live there permanently if we could come and go without outrageous costs

2yrs+

SusanJ2yes please Build a Bridge. We have just purchased land on the Island. for retirement. We would build sooner if there was a bridge as my husband works on the Gold Coast. Having a bridge would make it quicker and easier for him to get to work

2yrs+

peterg7Peter I agree on the bridge the farmers in Jacobs well just sold out all the sugar can land left for a development of a small town to be built but they have an island paradise just ten minutes across the water build the bridge you scammers

2yrs+

rossf1Hey, names Ross, semi Retired, intending to move there late January, single, going to rent, Getting away from the Gold Coast. Computer tech, want peace and quiet, it's a pity there are not more facilities there for people to meet or buy needed things, and it sounds like the police are like Gestapo. or the council is. [email protected]

Nov 26, 2017

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The opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of Homely.com.au.Report

"Want to buy on Russell? Read Below"

Well after living here for some time i am still in love with the island.
At first glance it does seem very nice and you may decide to buy but, you should always do your reasearch before commiting. Statistics show Russell has a very high turnover so don't jump (as many do).
Rent is cheap, so rent for a year and you can experience the four seasons and island life. The new shopping centre has made it more affordable as you don't often need to go to the mainland. It's really the perfect place to retire in a subtropical paradise.
Your peace and quite will only be interrupted by hooning, drunks etc. There is a bit of a wefare abusing crowd here that bring it down a lot.

DRAWow james31 you certainly had a good vent. Like most things in life it is what you make of it. Some of the stuff you say is true and correct but it needs perspective. The pleasure of living a simplified lifestyle often results in the lack of convenience that's just the way it is when getting back to basics. I am not sure what part of the island you have experienced but I have been here 10 years and that stuff doesn't happen in my world. The so-called ferals are a very small representation of the community and no different from anywhere else in the world, every community has undesirable types. At least we don't have home invasions or violence to the degree you see on the mainland. A few years ago there was a report indicating that Russell Island had the second lowest crime rate in QLD.As for unscrupulous real estate agents I do tend to agree even though I work in real estate on the island, it's a shame you did not meet me as I disclose all the things you have mentioned, mozzies, midgees, the bridge etc. I also mention the clear night skies, the fresh water, the green grass, our conservation areas, our fantastic marine park and the ability to enjoy the simple things in life for very little cost. It is definitely buyer beware as with most things so do your research and try to verify everything the agents tell you.The reality is that most people are used to being distracted by convenience all the time so when they get to places like Russell Island they have to learn to think again and plan for inconveniences like shops closing at 7pm or working around a transport time-table. Russell Island is a great spot and does need attention from the powers that be but most people who come here really enjoy it and not all get ripped off by agents.

2yrs+

michillHi James31,Many thanks for the commnets you have posted!!! I really thought it was great to have someone at this forum to tell us more about Russell Island. We have bought a block of land and want to built later one (5 years plan) for retirement as the blocks are cheap and the island-living prospect has been promissing for us. We are in Adelaide and a bit too far away to be aware of all the bad thngs happening on the island. Is it really that bad as you discribed??? We are aware that the cheap housing factor may contribute to attract those people you don't want to be associated with but are they all over the island or more concentrated in one area? We would appreciate if you could contact us for more exclusive exchange of infromation, that would be very nice of you. Many thanks in advance!

2yrs+

james31Hi Michill the good news is things are getting back to normal on the island. It seems there has been some changes to how tenants are chosen and the police are doing a great job too. Finally it's back to the peaceful place I remember that made me fall in love with Canaipa

2yrs+

88KATmandoHi michill, just come on over, you can avoid who you need to, far more normal or nice people over here, we travel to other areas and we see similar types on the mainland also! Forget the naysayers, rent if you like first, we did and still bought. We are on one of the other smaller islands out here and we love it, as a matter of fact, we just bought a larger block next door and plan to build a new house to live in and keep the one we already have. Paradise!

Feb 07, 2018

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Review written via StreetAdvisorThe opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of Homely.com.au.Report

"Perfect for those that want a peaceful lifestyle"

Russell island is not for those that want the hustle and bustle of city life. Indeed, if you are considering working on the mainland you would be advised to consider the high cost of travelling via the ferry service.
HOWEVER, if you are looking for a small island atmosphere with a growing community spirit, with beautiful views and gorgeous open plains, then most certainly look into Russell island. I would make the note that the islands are best appreciated when one own their own boat, allowing them to explore the beauty that is the Southern Mortern Bay Islands and Stradbroke.
On the whole retirees and families (if they can afford private high school) will adore Russell and hopefully engage with and give back to the community.

"How can so much boring and skeeze fit on one little island?"

on the bright side? there's no traffic, and most of the people are very friendly. The rent is dirt cheap. it looks lovely, compared to brisbane- lots of trees and such.

On the down side, most of it's dirt roads (which may or may not be consistant with the map) and you'll need to go to the mainland for anything beside very basic shopping- and if 'anything' is big? you'll have to pay through the nose to get it sent over... if you need anything /big/ with any regularity, you may need to keep one 'island' car and one 'mainland' car because it's cheaper than taking one car back and forth.

Almost no work to be had here, be prepared to travel to the mainland daily.
Budget for about 3x the amount of flea and mosquito prevention you're used to: swamps (or as the tourism board calls them...'wetlands') and bush breed them in droves

The rates are rediculously high, given the general crap-ness of the area- aside from the manky and/or nonexistant roads there isn't even a proper sewer, it's all on septic tanks.The rates seem to be used mostly on legal fees to prevent any businesses starting up here, that might actually generate revenue or tourism.

Finally, there are a high number of unsavoury types (ferals, prowlers, and people-having-drunk-domestic-quarrells seem to be over-represented, and it would seem that a good chunk of the populace alleviates the boredom with recreational drug use...) and almost zero police presence so, if you're unlucky enough to live near the real weirdos, prepare to lock up very well ....because the police will NOT be getting there any time soon. I speak from experience.

james31But there is a lot of great friendly people on Russel too don't forgetBeing on an island people tend to stick together and lookout for one anotherIt is the real reason I live here because the real islanders are so friendly

2yrs+

rossf1Hey James, let me know about the Great friendly people on the Island i am intending to move there late January [email protected]

Nov 26, 2017

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Review written via StreetAdvisorThe opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of Homely.com.au.Report

"The Undiscovered Paradise just minutes from the hussle & bustle of the urban sprawl"

I just love starting the day looking out the window of the water bus watching out for dolphins, dugongs and turtles... I equally love the wind down ride home after a hectic stressful day stuck in traffic in Brisbane.

I really have found my little piece of paradise - where else, this close to both Brisbane City and the Gold Coast can you own your own piece of land on the waterfront without crown land in front.

The peace and tranquility, the abundant bird life, the mud crabs at the bottom of the garden, the great fishing, prawning - Russell Island is truely a magic place to wind down on weekends after a hectic busy lifestyle during the week.

I'd recommend it for anyone working on the mainland - the commute is only 20 minutes and it really is a fantastic start and finish to each day.

james31hmmm sounds like the usual realestate spin 20 minute commute is a bit of an exaggeration.... allow 40 mins for the ferry and then drive another 40mins to the city at least ......oh yeh and don't forget you need two cars and the one you need to leave on the mainland will take about ten minutes to walk to from the ferry to where you had to park. Don't miss the last ferry either or you will be sleeping in your car on the mainland!

2yrs+

DelectableGuessing you haven't done the commute very often James31 - I have been commuting for 12 years now and yes there are some inconveniences involved in living on an Island - but I chose to live them....!! 20 minute commute is what my schedule allows - and it really is about being organised and getting your timing right.... Stop being sooo negative - this is paradise!! it's not the mainland - and it's not for everyone - you really do need to be organised - maybe you are not!

2yrs+

james31There is no doubt the SMBI area is lovely. The trouble is that when you paint such a rosie picture people believe it because it matches with their romantic ideal of island living and getting away from it all. However they aren't being told all the realities. The facts are that most people who buy here haven't lived here. Once they move here they find out the negatives that you seem to avoid mentioning for some reason. Then they have to move because they can't handle the islands mozzies or isolation or undesirables. What happens then is we end up with another house that needs to be rented or resold. Maybe we are lucky and another nice resident buys or rents the property but ultimately these houses are becoming harder to rent to normal working citizens because of the difficulties living here. It really does take an organised, tough (for the bugs) and resourceful individual to handle living here. Your average person is just not up to it. So the statistics would show it is hard to rent out your house here to a normal family. And thats the trouble, instead of being the Russell Island of the past where you waved to everyone as you drove down the road and you never had to lock your doors now we have all types of prowlers and addicts that would rather do a burnout in front of you than wave, steal from you when you are at home even or like to "make friends" with children!!?? Too many cheap rental properties is the real problem not commuting. I just want to give potential buyers a heads up on the fact that they will probably not last here so that we don't end up with any more cheap rentals...is that ok with you?Maybe you can take some photos of all the dugongs you see from the ferry we would love to see them too.

2yrs+

budgie69Heh - love your posts James31. I'm with you all the way. Seems like the only people who post on here are real estate agents and trolls. It really doesn't add much value for the genuine person looking to decide whether to move to Russell or not.

2yrs+

tinymumsyjames it seems you are too highly strung for a place like russell island - you just need to be organized.. sorry mate but bugs are a part of life .. and if you cant handle putting repellant on and closing the screens then that is a little concerning that this is what people have come to - and RELAX ! and stop wasting so much energy on writing negative postos on EVERY review .. maybe go fishing ? or make a cuppa and sit on the porch and enjoy the fact that you dont have sirens in every angle every 5 mins ? or maybe if this is not what your into /.... get on the ferry and go and enjoy the city ! and dont look back! all places are different and just because you prefer all mods and cons and cant handle a simple laid back lifestyle - there is no need to drag down what could potentially be someone elses happines ! these reviews are meant to be fair - and each person puts their own PERSONAL OPITION on here .. it is not a board for you to drag down any positive thing anyone could say ... as i have have said on other reviews you have grafitied - just becuase it is not for you and you prefer the modern lifestyle .. doesnt mean others dont enjoy the laid back lifestyle .... and as for the undesirables on the island.. i would look closely at your behaviour on here - i sure as heck would prefer a family that live on the dole and barely shower as neighbours rather than a grumpy whining person that complains about every mosquito and wind gust . . . at least being an easygoing happy person like myself would be able to say hi comfortably to them without wanting to cringe about what they will be complaining about today ..

2yrs+

james31this review system is for people to write reviews in, that's what I did, don't attack me I just say it as I see it. The number of times you have attacked my comments makes me think you are quite aggresive and I think you are trying to bully me, just the type of person we don't want here..... what did budgie69 say ... internet troll

2yrs+

ptony1948Hello james31. It is I again. I agree with the point you make in posts about people not being prepared for what they're letting themselves in for when they move to the islands. They then leave. We're still coming.(Jan 2015 is the target). So we're busy getting as much info as possible and adjusting our lifestyle to fit the island. (especially financial). This way we won't be one of the move in/move out brigade. I used to follow the 'Bay island forum' but it's no longer active. Do you know anywhere else online or over the phone that I can get island info so as to keep updated?(I've tried a few facebook pages without much success). Also, I'd be interested to hear your views on Translink. e.g.. will it lead to more people living on the island and working on the mainland thereby improving the move on/move off situation? Also, how is the recreation/sports centre going? Because there is a lack of jobs on the island, we're leaning towards the idea of some kind of business activity that targets the huge Brisbane population. Do you know if Brisbane people frequent the island on weekends as a getaway to take advantage of the water and quiet? And in your opinion is there any opportunity there?Well. That's enough for now. Look forward to your reply.

2yrs+

james31Hi Tony the good news is that finally there has been a long overdue "tidy up" of the island, it was getting a bit rough but things seem to back to normal. What's normal here...peace. Why is it peaceful because its mostly wilderness. But as with most wilderness areas access is a problem. Although the island is a very attractive place there are no specific attractions. Tourists don't jump on the ferry or barge to go to come to the island for no reason, there needs to be a good reason to pay for the ferry and spend the time traveling and parking etc.

Minjerribah (Nth Straddie) doesn't have this problem, it has "attractions" and "things to do", it's prefect for "tourism" it's fast and racey up the nth end

Canaipa is a sleepy place where Curlews morn the break of day. It's usually described as being behind the times, its slow and quiet. It's really not that great for tourism. It's more for people who like to live in a quiet natural surrounding but still have great access to a capital city. There are plenty of opportunities here for those who are motivated, it is a very diverse location.

The Gold Coast has a little tourism problem of it's own I noticed. They seem to be loosing their main attraction, the beach. Maybe we should put a bridge across Russell making it a "stepon" stone to get to Straddie. I think the GC council need some of their sand, maybe Tom Tate can make a deal with Redland Council. The GC could pay for the bridge and get some free sand. Then they won't have to build have a breakwall from the Spit to Burleigh and have no sand at Surfers Paradise and then you can get a job driving the huge dump trucks back and forth across the island LOL

hope that sheds some lightall the best

2yrs+

BeauBWent to island to suss out my little peace of paradise...My god I'm so glad I stayed 2 weeks...Got to see the ice/ amphetamiane users pushers...Meet the local drunks witnessed the nightly domestics...My god don't do it...Consider why so cheap...Cheap rentals = females...I repeat cheap rentals = feral....Seriously consider why the place is so cheap....Go so bitten by mozzies I'm scared I have ross river feverGreat place if you have a drip king problem....Phedos leering at my kids .....Add a comment...

2yrs+

fringedwellerWow! You should hang with a better crowd. I hope you ran a mile from all of this and never ever risk a come back. The last thing we need here is delusional people. Good luck with the Ross River, I am told you get over it eventually.

FD

Aug 27, 2017

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Review written via StreetAdvisorThe opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of Homely.com.au.Report

"Fantastic Island living"

Great place to live with kids, no traffic and peace and quiet, great fishing with new boat ramps, amasing furtile soil with heaps of fruit growing wild(avocado, pawpaw,custard apple, passionfruit). no bridge is great for keeping the "island escape" feel and keeps out the rifraf as well as keeping a friendly island atmosphere and I cant beleive the price of land here is so good, I was loking at moving upto Magnetic Island off Townsville, thank god I found Russell Island instead, we just love it here.

"A step back in time and pace"

what a top little island, been over there a few times now, its got shopping centre there as well as some good bbq spots and we had dinner at the bowls club(excelent), heard theres an RSL too will try it next time, seems to be alot of retired people living there but i saw a pretty big school there too so i guess theres lots of families too, stopped at a realestate to look , rent is pretty reasonable for an island and there seems to be a reasonable amount of vacant land here still for sale at good prices although I guess that won't last long with the growth in these areas, but while its available Im gonna try to get me a peice of SE queensland tropical island, I love fishing so this will be my paradise.

"Russell may not be your cup of tea, but its perfect for me."

Wow. I wish I hadn't bought my expensive house on Russell now after reading how bad it is. Lol. It surprises me to read bad things about the Bay Islands area. But then I remember that it's all relative and some people have high expectations and no prior research. Relative as in I live in Mt Isa. Dry. 45c temps in summer. 1000km to the coast. I used to live in "The Bronx" where there are plenty of ferals and I guarantee you a lot worse than Russell Island. Grocery prices are a lot dearer. Actually grocery shelves are getting empty as we're cut off by floods. High expectations as some people gripe wherever they are. I say don't gripe. Do something about it. No prior research. My research tells me that (1) the ferry costs quite a bit therefore I have to factor that into my income. (2) Our house is <2km from the jetty so we'll bike it or walk. A bit of forced exercise won't do us any harm and we'll not need 2 cars. (3) There's mozzies but there's less up the front of the island and I've stayed in Brissie where the mozzies come out in force in the evening anyway. Imo there's always some things that aren't that great about a place but I look at the net result. We haven't moved to Russell yet but are working on ironing out potential problems before we get there. I'm sure there will be things that we didn't foresee however the following things will outweigh these. Exploring Straddie, going to Brisbane events like Ekka, Broncos matches etc, peaceful lifestyle, watersports, exploring the other islands, providing a safe and free environment for my kids to grow up in, green and bushy surroundings, small community feel, wildlife, walking, cycling etc. I see it mentioned in different places about the lack of facilities. I grew up 70km out of Mackay. My parents drove to Mackay once a fortnight for their shopping. Sound familiar? Just takes planning. And these days you can do so much on the internet. And for people who don't have the internet at home I've used the internet cafe on Russell and it functions very well. I know people who have gone on fishing trips over a long weekend from Mt Isa. Only 700km each way(or more). Relative isn't it? How far do you have to go to go fishing on Russell? Sweet bugger all. Anyhow. This is cutting into my "move to Russell" planning time. See you all in a year or so.

james31So you decided to write a review about Russell where you have never lived? I checked out the Mount Isa reviews and there wasn't even one! Why didn't you write a review about Mt Isa where you have some real experience to help people research about Mt Isa? You say Mt Isa is 1000kms from the coast? That's not hard to research it's only about 300km to the Gulf! Why write a review on the Russell page telling us how bad Mt Isa is? Comparing Russell to Mt Isa now you are getting desperate. Why are you even reading reviews on Russell if you have already bought your expensive house, it"s too late now to research! Or are you a realestate agent on Russell? LOL Unscroupulous! The more people you trick into buying here the more cheap rentals we end up with that's the big problem. Please stop it, life's not about making money. You can "do something about it" See you tomorrow on Russell ps you used "Wow" to start ptony1948, or are you DRA, same vocab I see, not much research needed for that one

2yrs+

ptony1948Hello James. Go put your Sherlock Holmes hat on again. Do some more investigating. I am not a real estate agent as you think. Everything I put in my post is true. 300 km to the Gulf? Maybe if you fly. Driving would be at least 700km. And because I do live up here I know that the Gulf doesn't hold much attraction for me. I was talking about Townsville. Why not write about Mt Isa. Because the SMBIs are where I want to be. Plus most people don't come to Mt Isa for the lifestyle. They come for the job and then find everything else later. They work in the mine, make their money and then go to greener pastures. James, you're missing the whole point of why I was doing a comparison. The point is you have concerns that are very important in your eyes and rightly so from your background and perspective. However, from where I'm coming from those concerns aren't as major because I've faced worse imo. You should be glad that people like me are coming to the islands because the more of us the less trouble for you.James. I am interested to know more about some of your points. (why you may ask if I've already bought. Well, forewarned is forearmed.)You speak of the undesirables. What % of the population on Russell would you estimate fit this category?What are the problems that the undesirable types cause to others and how often would this be?Is it a minority of the centrelink crowd that cause the problems? (because I am sure that there would have to be decent centrelink people).The "ferals" as you call them. Would they be more of a problem in the back half of the island as opposed to the front?Why has the police station not made a difference? ie could the police be doing more and how so?At school what kind of contagious illnesses are you talking about?James, if you're interested email me at [email protected] so I may give you my ph number as I'd like to pick your brain. Not to debate with you or to change your opinions but to learn more as I assume that there is plenty that you can't say on a forum like this. As I said before, forewarned is forearmed.Hopefully talk to you soon.

2yrs+

james31Sorry I didn't know I would ruffle so many feathers with my review. I thought you could write a review without having to defend it. I guess that if you lived in Afghanistan Russell would look great from your perspective but thats not what a review is about. It is not about comparing apples to oranges it's about writing some facts about Russell. How can anyone who has never lived here know the facts. The poster before me wrote a similar review however they didn't metion real estate agents so maybe that was my mistake. So here are some answers to your questions. What percentage is undesirables? Not sure but when you go to the Lions park on Sunday and there are 4 groups there and two of the four are known amphetamine sellers/users who have no prolem using the c word in front of your kids I guess we could estimate 50%.The problems they cause? well I have just answered that they ruin the lovely atmosphere, but thats minor, we have also seen cars doing 110kms/hour down centre road and known men who had an unusual interest in children etc. The police can't really do much about the problem of too many cheaps rentals in one area that's out of their control. It just makes their job harder. The contagious illnesses we have known to occur is foot and mouth and impetigo (school sores). Sorry if you want to pick my brain that doesn't sound like too much fun, I will pass on that offer, I have many stories but i have said everything here I wanted to say. I wrote what you may say is a bad review and that's bad for business and I am sorry. But if you aren't selling real estate why are you so concerned with what my review says? If you love the Bay islands I love you we are on the same team. Lets work together to make them great and we need to look at the facts to do that. We need real reviews not romantic versions with dugongs cuddling under the ferries. It's elementary my dear ptony, we need reviews that give people the truth about living on Russell so we don't end up with more cheap rentals. We just want a normal population not a housing commision type island. Sure it's better than Mt Isa, Mt Druitt and Afghanistan too, but people need to know the facts about Russell before they commit. Good luck with your sea change.

2yrs+

ptony1948I appreciate you replying James. I've learnt a bit more which is , as you say, the point of these reviews.

2yrs+

tinymumsyi am sorry to bust in on this discussion - i am in my mid 20's , and am expecting my second child - and am also a recent divorcee ... i have always loved the country lifestyle and a quiet atmosphere - i am moving from a very remote place in central qld - which is almost 500 klm to the nearest city . where i am from , most people live in humpy's - which is generally either a tent or shed - with no running water . . . this is not my cup of tea - so i am one of the few people out there that pay ridiculous money for a proper 3 bed house for my kids and i . . . i pay $300 per week , and we do not have bin services, postal services , or sewerage . . there is a pub and a corner shop within an hour but that is it - all becuase there is mines within 3 hours . all town have the general "riff raff" and all communities have trouble makers - however it is who you associate with - i am a respectable business woman who cherishes her family and you just learn who to associate with and who not to - i do not want a party lifestyle, and will not be needing to work for another 5 years until my new bub goes to school - therefore this gives me the freedom of a small community to raise my kids - but only a short ferry ride to civilization - which 1 hour to me is very short considering i used to have to make a weekend of it just to go to a big w . . all places have their pros and cons .... the township i have been in for the past couple of years has definitely got its fair share of "questionable characters" however - they are everywhere - it just seems more concentrated in small communities - as for the school sores etc . . . i was just wondering if james - have you got school aged children ? as i am studying my bathcellor of nursing, and also have a school aged child and know for a fact that school sores - headlice - and general common ailments run ravage through all schools - not just small communities . as for the mosquitos - my current house is on a creek that floods most weeks which causes massive outbreaks of mosquitos and midges and i think that is something only an unprepared und uneducated person would complain about .. for me - getting out of the middle of no where to enjoy a small island lifestyle that i can afford to comfortably raise my kids will do just fine thank you :)

2yrs+

tony.payne.5015Hello tinymumsy. We're still aiming to be on the islands end of 2014. Just wondering if you've made it there yet and if you have, how it's all working out?

2yrs+

BarbaraO'ConnellI am a Russell Island local...and I just came back from there where I spent time at Lions Park and I can assure you there were no drug dealers present, in fact myself my brother another local who has lived there all his life and another family just enjoying the peaceful waters with their young children. I take offense to the term "ferals" at that end of the island as my Mother who built her house herself which incidentally is still standing and in good repair, and the people that now own that house are definitely not ferals but rather hard working people who run a business over there have taken a simple two bedroom home and transformed it into something they enjoy. You see drugs are everywhere I live in Brisbane in one of the wealthy suburbs and yet drugs are running rampant in the schools here, so to single out a place for drugs and term people ferals. Yes Russell Island is a small place with some limited services, and as a local who went to school there and is about to buy land there and relocate back there it is home. I remember learning to swim down at Lions Park which incidentally wasn't there 33 years ago. In fact I am sure if you speak to some of us true locals who have memories of what the island used to be like and what its like now, you would find that they dont like what has happened and the influx of people buying land building big houses then trying to sell them off for millions of dollars just like they didn't like it years ago when the real estate agents came across, which incidentally was also at the Lions Park end of the island and pulled their scams back then. So before you go telling people how bad the place is, if you don't like it your welcome to leave but for those of us who love the island and some of the history there we tend to get our feathers ruffled james 31. My question to you is how long have YOU lived there? Were you there over 30years ago??? You see my family founded the ambulance service, without the funding of the QLD Ambulance but to provide services it was volunteer run. I am proud to say I WILL be moving back there with my children and family quite happily. I hope you find the beauty and serenity that the island provides but perhaps if your not nobody stopping you from relocating to a more suitable place for yourself.

2yrs+

james31Hi Barb I really love your passion for the islands. If you check above you will see that I wrote that comment almost 2 years ago and I have lived here a lot longer than that. In fact in the two years a lot has changed and things have improved so it's back to the good old days. The bad eggs (won't use the term ferals) have mostly gone so it's happy days again as you saw for yourself. Maybe my comments and reviews helped induce the change who knows. After all, the squeaky wheel gets the grease doesn't it (especially when there is a lot of money at stake). Yes realestate has hit rock bottom here again, maybe partly due to my comments and review, but no need to thank me, I guess now is a great time to buy your slice of heaven isn't it? As for me relocating to somewhere more suitable I have looked high and low and I can't find anywhere that compares to here so I guess you are stuck with me ;-) Oh and as for learning to swim at sandy beach, you must have incredibly short arms LOL, lucky we have a local pool now it's a tad deeper!

2yrs+

scotslassieHi,I don't want to add fuel, but we would love to buy in Russell. We currently live in Melbourne and we also wanted to knowof the good areas to buy.I know that there are drugs everywhere but we don't want to be living in the'wrong' part of the island.If someone could advise the nicest ares to be searching for properties I would be very grateful.

2yrs+

VictoriaLHi Im thinking about moving to the island - if Im happy to walk once on the island - is that feasible? When on the mainland - do people just find a carpark somewhere on the street...sorry if I sound a bi daft. cheers vic

2yrs+

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Review written via StreetAdvisorThe opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of Homely.com.au.Report

"A great place to be..."

Russell Island is great for anyone wanting to wind down and enjoy a simplified lifestyle. It has a coastal country town feel, the people are friendly and all the necessary services are in place. A very relaxing 20 minute trip on the ferry takes you to Redland Bay with easy acess to major shopping facitilties and good public transport.
The air is clean, the sky is clear, the grass is green and the water tastes good. We have lots of conservation areas for the nature lovers and our marine life is fantastic. Great fishing and boating in sheltered waters with offshore acess through 2 bars.
It is a good spot for the family, the retiree and anybody else looking to escape the rat race. Realestate is very affordable and people who are unable to enter the market in other areas quite often achieve thier dream here.
Come for a day or weekend and you will find it hard to leave. It is a top spot in Australia.

"Beautiful Russell Island"

The good thing about Russell island is like being in a country town. People are friendly and helpfull. We have a small boat and often got to Dunwich,Peel Island, Amity Point, Jumpinpin, Gold coast and Harrigans Irish pub at colypso bay. Im from Sydney and still cannot believe that being so close to Brisbane the property prices here are a Bargin. Comparing Scotland island or Dangar island this is the same proximity to the CBD.
Theres no way I could move back to the mainland.

"Only for retirees - not a place to raise the family"

jessysnloveI was just wondering as to why you don't think Russell Island is a place for familys?? Me and my partner have been looking there for a place to buy once we have the finances, and we want to start a family.

2yrs+

casalRussell Island is a wonderful environment to raise a family as there is plenty of open space, no pollution, not much traffic, public swimming pool, excellent primary school (and free boat/bus transport to high school), adequate shops, library. I am sure you'd like living here. We have an excellent property for sale within walking distance of all the facilities and jetty.

2yrs+

jessysnloveHey another question what kind of medical facililties are there on Russell island, as me and my partner wish to have a baby, is there any place on the island that i could go when giving birth??

2yrs+

casalno birthing facility - no small community should have that. But we have 2 doctors and Ambulance service with Paramedic 24/7. Transport to hospital is either by ambulance/boat/ambulance for non-life threatening cases or helicopter for code 1 cases.

2yrs+

jessysnloveWhat is the mobile reception like over there? and is there internet conection?

casalADSL or broadband (free for some areas as subsidised by Federal Government) internet & mobile coverage to about 99% of Island. Optus worse provider

2yrs+

jessysnlovethanks for all your help, hopefully i will be moving there beggining of next year if all goes to plan and i get that job. I wont have to worry about this for a while but is there only the primary school over there, and no high school?

2yrs+

casalnot enough children to build a high school and Education Dept think it is better for children to integrate with mainland children....................Good luck with your move

2yrs+

jessysnloveHey, would it be possible if i could have a list of the bussiness's on the Island?

2yrs+

casalyou're joking!! I don't have the time to type a list nor do I know all the registered names. Check Yellow Pages under 'Russell Island', IGA, 'Canaipa"

2yrs+

TmykHi, We are moving to Russell Island soon from Stradbroke Island but when I tried to change our internet over, Telstra said that Russell has no ADSL internet but i just noticed the comment above ... "ADSL or broadband (free for some areas as subsidised by Federal Government) internet & mobile coverage to about 99% of Island. Optus worse provider". I was just wondering if the person I spoke to at Telstra may have it wrong? Is there ADSL on Russell and if not what do people use? Or is Russell Island's ADSL through another provider or something like that? Thank you for any advice you can offer.

2yrs+

U1There is no broadband down the southern end. My neighbours and I are all on satellite.

2yrs+

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Review written via StreetAdvisorThe opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of Homely.com.au.Report

"Island Paradise"

Plenty of open space, clean air, relaxing, restful atmosphere. The short ferry ride is such a relaxing way to travel. Good community feel. Abundance of interesting hobby groups if you want to be involved. Community Garden starting soon. IGA has everything & at mainland prices takes the hassle of bringing groceries from mainland away.
Cavendish Street living is within walking distance of shops, jetty, ferry, swim pool & school

jessysnloveI am looking into moving over there it looks great, cheap rent i couldnt believe it. but.. i will need a job and by the looks of it there isnt much over there.. i would realy love to move there but bit worried about the lack of jobs.. is there much over there?

2yrs+

casalIGA is the only real employee unless you have a real estate licence. Rents - you get what you pay for!! You can always commute to the mainland for jobs; Victoria Point shopping centre is only 5kms from Redland Bay Marina (regular buses) and plenty of job opportunities. Redland Bay has shopping centre and pub too

2yrs+

jessysnloveyeah but wuldnt it cost a lot to keep commuting there and back because of the ferry??

2yrs+

casal40 trip ticket costs $238 for full fare. Swings and roudabouts really; cheap rents, not many jobs, so fares for commuting

2yrs+

jessysnlovewhat types of shops are on Russell island, someone elses comment said there were plenty of shopd, but as i have heard there arnt many. I am doing a course in real estate and in 6 months should be fully qualified. So i am hoping to move over there and start a family with my partner. She is also going to start a hairdressing apprentiship, i saw there are two hair salons on the island. But i commute would be ok. Also i know it is a small place.. I am in a same sex relationship, i am worried about the island being so small and non accepting, is it a nice environment?

2yrs+

casalThere is Cornett's Supa IGA (same prices as Woolies/Coles specials sometimes better), newsagent, bakery/pizza shop, chemist, fish shop/takeaway, hair salon, nursery, bottle shop, Post Office, service station/hardware, pet shop with visiting vet, machinery hire/landscaping, 4 real estate agencies. Only 1 hair salon but I'd suggest working in salon on mainland. Don't worry about not being accepted as people are very forgiving and you'd not be the only same sex relationship. There are about 3,500 people on Russell Is so not as small as some say. You can either keep to yourselves or socialise....your choice. We used to socialise but now stay away from the rest.

2yrs+

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"Invest now to retire in peace and tranquility later!"

1. Isolated, which makes it hard for the burglars to make that all important quick getaway! Police station established.

2. Essentials are here. Non essentials are not.

3. Live simply and peacefully in a real society. You know, where everyone looks out for each other but all know to respect other peoples privacy. Not too many door to door sales here.

4. Invest now to retire in peace and tranquility later! I am so glad to have found this gem! I have two blocks and I will always hold one for retirement. I hope this will help someone else to make the decision to make their future more secure. I have witnessed the financial ruin caused by Storm. Don't think it can't happen. This is very cheap to hold "just in case"!

"The jewel in the crown - the best kept secret in south east Queensland"

I have lived here for 4years and love it, my employment is here also. I only go to Australia, if I am in desperate need of retail therapy, or to visit family or to go to the movies, which isn't very often. I make my trips over something to look forward to. You cant live life just shopping, there is so much more to life.
Russell Island is such a great place for a first home buyer ( be you young or mature) to get into the market, while it is still affordable. One day we will be discovered and when that happens, hold onto your hat, it will explode. There are craft groups, church groups, art groups, wildlife groups, the RSL and Bowls Club, as well as sporting groups, library and writing group, the list goes on.
we have a great cafe/restaurant Aunty Alices which is a great meeting place for all,and great coffee too.

jessysnloveI am looking into moving over there it looks great, cheap rent i couldnt believe it. but.. i will need a job and by the looks of it there isnt much over there.. i would realy love to move there but bit worried about the lack of jobs.. is there much over there?

2yrs+

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Review written via StreetAdvisorThe opinions expressed within this review are those of the individual reviewer and not those of Homely.com.au.Report

"Russell Island - Great place to buy or invest for the future."

Russell Island is only 50 mins from Brisbane and offers great views of Moreton Bay, the Gold Coast and Stradbroke Island. Russell Island offers great water sports with fishing, boating and swimming. There are plenty of shops on the island for your conveniences and many accommodation choices for the holiday maker. Russell Island offers some of the best real estate deals left in Queensland with land and house prices suitable for the first home buyer and being so close to Brisbane make this an ideal area to live or invest for your future. There is a ferry or a barge from the island to the mainland frequently.